Governor Greg Abbott has congratulated the Village of Salado for earning the designation of Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community. The recognition, awarded by Travel Texas, follows Salado’s completion of a multi-step certification process. The designation highlights Visit Salado’s efforts to use tourism as a strategy for economic growth, job creation, and attracting visitors from across the country and internationally.
“Tourism is critical to both our local and state economies,” said Governor Abbott. “Travelers to and within Texas generate almost $200 billion in annual economic impact and support 1.3 million jobs across the state. I congratulate the Village of Salado and Visit Salado on earning this designation. All Texas communities are encouraged to apply to become a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community to further grow local tourism and jobs across our great state.”
Salado now holds both Music Friendly Texas and Tourism Friendly Texas certifications.
Senator Pete Flores commented on Salado’s history as a tourist destination: “Salado has been a destination of tourism since its inception as a stagecoach stop in 1860. The community has defined Texas tourism friendly for generations of travelers, including the great General Sam Houston. Whether enjoying the cool springs of the creek at Pace Park in the summertime or competing in the Highland Games at the Gathering of the Scottish Clans, it’s only fitting for Salado to be recognized as it continues to showcase Texas hospitality.”
Representative Brad Buckley also praised the community: “I am pleased to see the Village of Salado and Visit Salado receive this exciting designation. Salado is one of the most charming towns in Texas, combining a rich heritage of early Texas settlement and historic markers with the modern appeal of art, entertainment, and shopping. I am proud to call Salado home, and I hope everyone will join us here for the legendary Salado Stroll in early December to see why it is the perfect place to honor with a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community designation.”
Mayor Pro Tem Zach Hurst accepted the recognition on behalf of Salado: “On behalf of the Village of Salado, I am honored to accept the Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community designation. This recognition underscores our ongoing commitment to fostering a welcoming environment for visitors, promoting our historic and cultural assets, and supporting the growth of local tourism. We look forward to continuing to enhance our community as a premier destination, providing memorable experiences for all who visit.”
The certification program is available to local governments or non-profit organizations that lead tourism promotion efforts. It offers benefits such as strengthening partnerships important for tourism development, educating leaders about tourism’s impact on Texas, identifying strategies tailored to each community, and accessing opportunities through Travel Texas and other state programs. More information about the program can be found at gov.texas.gov/tourism-friendly-texas.
Travel Texas operates within the Governor’s Economic Development & Tourism Office with a mission focused on marketing Texas as a travel destination outside its borders, aiming to generate out-of-state visits that create revenue and jobs locally and statewide.
